2026 Tesla Model 3 Highland Review: The Electric Sedan Grows Up
Priya Mehta·1 May 2026·12 min read
The Model 3 Highland refresh is the most substantial update since the original launch. New interior, better range, revised suspension. We test it in Dubai for two weeks.
Verdict
Pros: - 629 km WLTP range (Long Range AWD) is class-leading - 43 Supercharger stations across UAE — best charging infrastructure - Over-the-air updates continuously improve the car
Cons: - No instrument cluster — divisive choice - Plastic-heavy interior still trails German rivals - No Apple CarPlay — Tesla's own maps only
Price range: AED 154,900 – 219,900 Best for: Dubai-to-Emirates commuters, tech-forward buyers, those prioritising lowest running costs Not for: Buyers who want Android Auto/CarPlay or a traditional instrument cluster
Introduction
The Highland refreshed Model 3 arrives in the UAE with the most comprehensive exterior and interior update since the original 2017 launch. I tested the Long Range AWD version for 14 days in Dubai — commuting, school runs, one full charge-to-empty test to Al Ain and back (364 km) and a Supercharger session.
Key Specs
| Spec | RWD | Long Range AWD | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | 554 km | 629 km | 528 km |
| Power | 283 hp | 366 hp | 455 hp |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.1 sec | 4.4 sec | 3.1 sec |
| Price (AED) | 154,900 | 189,900 | 219,900 |
Design & Interior
The Highland's interior transformation is the most significant change. The front dashboard is entirely new — the horizontal HVAC vent layout replaces the single rotatable diffuser; physical controls replace some of the touchscreen functions for temperature and media; and the materials quality has stepped up with genuine ambient lighting and improved soft-touch surfaces.
The rear interior adds a dedicated 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers — standard on Long Range and Performance. This is a meaningful addition for UAE buyers who regularly carry rear passengers.
Luggage: 594 litres total (frunk + boot) — comparable to a large sedan.
Driving Experience
The Long Range AWD's dual-motor setup produces 366 hp and a genuine 4.4-second 0–100 time. In Dubai traffic, this means you never need to consider whether you have enough power to merge — you always do.
On a full charge, I drove from Dubai (JBR) to Al Ain (180 km), spent 2 hours there, and returned to Dubai with 28% battery remaining. Total: 364 km, arriving back with approximately 170 km of remaining range. In summer heat (38°C during the return), the air conditioning significantly affected consumption: I used 19.2 kWh/100 km vs the official 15.7.
Supercharger Experience
The Supercharger at Dubai Mall delivered a 10–80% charge in 28 minutes (V3 Supercharger, 250 kW peak). DEWA's public chargers at average 50 kW would take 80 minutes for the same charge — Tesla's network is a genuine competitive advantage.
Running Costs
DEWA free charging until end 2026. Zero registration fees. 25% Salik discount. Annual service: AED 700–1,200. Insurance Group 15 EV: AED 4,500–6,500/year.
Rivals
BMW i4 eDrive40 (AED 249,000): More refined interior, better infotainment. AED 59,100 more expensive, less range. Hyundai IONIQ 6 AWD (AED 174,900): Similar range, 800V fast charging, Apple CarPlay. AED 15,000 cheaper.
Our Verdict
The Model 3 Highland Long Range AWD at AED 189,900 is the most compelling EV in the UAE market. The range, the Supercharger network and the over-the-air update capability combine to make it the easiest EV ownership experience available.
Recommended: Model 3 Long Range AWD in Deep Blue Metallic with Enhanced Autopilot.